OSHA Inspection: DURABLE INC.

Issued

2012-06-07 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-07-20 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $7000.00 · Current $0.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances C730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(a)(2): Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of carbon monoxide listed in Table Z-1 in excess of the 8 hour Time Weighted Average concentration of 50 parts per million (ppm):    Durable Inc. -  The employer did not ensure employees were not exposed to a concentration(s) of carbon monoxide in excess of the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit  of 50 parts per million (ppm) as an 8 hour Time Weighted Average Concentration.     a) Durable Inc. - On January 31, 2012, an employee was exposed to a concentration of carbon monoxide of 84.9 parts per million (ppm). This is in excess of and is 1.64 times the OSHA acceptable Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 50 ppm listed in Table Z-1. The exposure was measured over 300 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for a period of 180 minutes. The carbon monoxide permissible exposure limit is established to prevent headaches, nausea, unconsciousness and asphyxiation.    The measured occupational exposure to carbon monoxide is based on post-exposure employee carboxyhemoglobin measurements.     b) Durable Inc. - On January 31, 2012, an employee was exposed to a concentration of carbon monoxide of 130 ppm. This is in excess of and is 2.6 times the OSHA acceptable Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 50 ppm listed in Table Z-1. The exposure was measured over 296 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for a period of 184 minutes. The carbon monoxide permissible exposure limit is established to prevent headaches, nausea, unconsciousness and asphyxiation.    The measured occupational exposure to carbon monoxide is based on post-exposure employee carboxyhemoglobin measurements.     c) Durable Inc. - On January 31, 2012, an employee was exposed to a concentration of carbon monoxide of 121.7 ppm. This is in excess of and is 2.43 times over the OSHA acceptable Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 50 ppm listed in Table Z-1. The exposure was measured over 300 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for a period of 180 minutes. The carbon monoxide permissible exposure limit is established to prevent headaches, nausea, unconsciousness and asphyxiation.    The measured occupational exposure to carbon monoxide is based on post-exposure employee carboxyhemoglobin measurements.     d) Durable Inc. - On January 31, 2012 an employee was exposed to a concentration of carbon monoxide of 61.0 ppm. This is 1.22 times over the OSHA acceptable Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 50 ppm listed in Table Z-1. The exposure was measured over 300 minutes. Zero exposure was assumed for a period of 180 minutes. The carbon monoxide permissible exposure limit is established to prevent headaches, nausea, unconsciousness and asphyxiation.    The measured occupational exposure to carbon monoxide is based on post-exposure employee carboxyhemoglobin measurements.

Issued

2012-06-07 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-08-22 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances C730

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined or implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d).    a) Durable Inc.  -   Effective engineering and administrative controls were not instituted and maintained by the employer to reduce employee exposure to carbon monoxide during maintenance of heating equipment, including, but not limited to:    1) Seek the expertise of a competent individual such as an engineer or certified industrial hygienist to assess the existing controls for exhaust and combustion gases from heating units used at the site, including ventilation, and implement appropriate modifications.    2) Replace or repair the deteriorated gas utilization equipment, such as heaters, in the facility. Ensure new equipment is installed and operated according to the manufacturer's specifications and all national, state and local codes.    3) Provide combustion and ventilation air for all appliances located within the space as required by the overhead heater manufacturer and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 54, National Fuel Gas Code to ensure proper venting of combustion and ensure safe working conditions for personnel.     4) Provide for the inspection of all overhead heater(s) located within the work site at intervals required by the heater manufacturer.     Step 1  A written detailed plan of abatement shall be submitted to the Area Director outlining a schedule for implication of engineering and or administrative measures to control employee exposures to carbon monoxide from the overhead heaters. The plan shall include, at a minimum, target dates for the following actions which must be consistent with the dates required by the citation.    1) Evaluation of engineering/administration control options;    2) Selection of optimum control methods and completion of design;    3) Procurement, installation and operation of selected control measures;    4) Testing and acceptance of control methods. All control methods shall be evaluated for each particular use by a technically qualified person.     Abatement Date: July 24, 2012    Step 2  Abatement shall been completed by the implementation of feasible engineering controls and verification of their effectiveness in achieving compliance.     Abatement Date: August 22, 2012